Passion: Ally Viente

This is the first installment in a series that I am calling Passion. In it, I will follow and document people I know and the interests, hobbies and/or careers that make them tick. This word gets thrown around too often in trite phrases on motivational posters or inspirational memes. No one has ever found it in passivity. Passion is direct action. It is dynamic and there is a certain flow that I can't really explain in words, but I know it when I see it.

My friend Ally is the perfect example of passion. 

Over 2 days in December, we hung out in her current baking laboratory, the wood fired kitchen of Pizzicleta* in Flagstaff, Arizona and I observed as she made the special bake of the week, cinnamon raisin bread. 

Baking is a subtle, thoughtful art and watching Ally flit with ease about the kitchen made the bread all the more tasty. She even made orange ginger scones (not pictured) on her downtime because "I woke up wanting to make some." They were delicious. Ally bakes with love and delight and you would be remiss to not grab a loaf from her next time you're in Flag. Grand Canyon trip anyone? 

You can follow Ally on Instagram: @ally.viente

*Pizzi will show up often in this space because the people are awesome, the food is wonderful and the whole staff exudes, well, passion.

Note: In photo 5 (Preparation) those are not Ally's hairy, muscly forearms. The homie Jack (future Passion subject!) stopped by to help out.

Personal note: if anyone is interested in having me document your passion, drop me a line/a note/write a letter/call me/tell a birdie...